Period Underwear Without PFAS: Natural Relief for Menstrual Cramps

Cramps are no joke. If you've ever felt like your uterus is staging a protest, you're not alone. Up to 80% of people with periods experience menstrual cramps, aka dysmenorrhea, at some point in their lives. But did you know the period products you use could be making things worse?

Let’s dive into the why behind period pain, and how making the switch to PFAS-free period underwear can be a small but mighty step toward less discomfort and a lot more comfort.

What Is Dysmenorrhea (and Why Does It Hurt So Much)?

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for period pain. The culprit? Prostaglandins - hormone-like chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and shed its lining. The higher your prostaglandin levels, the stronger those contractions, and the more pain you feel.

There are two types:

• Primary dysmenorrhea: Common menstrual cramps with no underlying medical issue.

• Secondary dysmenorrhea: Caused by a condition like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If your cramps knock you off your feet for days or disrupt your daily life, it’s not something to push through - it's a sign to seek medical help.

How Common Are Period Cramps?

Very. Studies show that 3 out of 4 people with periods experience cramps. For about 1 in 10, the pain is severe enough to interfere with school, work, or everyday activities. That’s a whole lot of people silently struggling.

Natural Tips to Ease the Cramps

Everyone’s body is different, but these natural remedies are a good place to start:

1. Heat therapy

A warm water bottle or heating pad on your lower abdomen can help relax uterine muscles and improve blood flow. Science backs it: heat can be as effective as ibuprofen!

2. Magnesium-rich baths

Soak in an Epsom salt bath - magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and can help calm your cramps and your nervous system.

3. Gentle movement

Light stretching, yoga, or even a slow walk can release endorphins (your body's natural painkillers) and boost circulation.

4. Herbal teas

Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint tea have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties - a.k.a. they help reduce pain and relax muscles.

5. Nutrition tweaks

Eating more omega-3 fatty acids (found in flaxseed, walnuts, and salmon) and less processed food may help reduce inflammation and cramp intensity.

Bonus tip: Hydrate like a pro. Dehydration can make cramps worse.

6. Over-the-counter relief

Sometimes, you need the big guns. NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce prostaglandin production, easing both pain and inflammation. No shame in doing what works best for your body.

Why PFAS-Free Period Underwear Matters

PFAS (short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as "forever chemicals" because they don’t break down in the environment or your body. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, immune issues, and even certain cancers.

So the idea of them hanging out near your vulva during your menstrual cycle? Yeah, no thanks.

Some popular period products and period panties brands have been found to contain PFAS chemicals and even heavy metals. That’s why third-party verified materials—like those that are Oeko-Tex Certified or meet OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100—matter so much. At Fri Period, all our reusable period underwear is certified safe. Although, given the presence of PFAS in even our soil and water, it is pretty much impossible to entirely avoid exposure, it is possible to minimize your exposure.

Comfy, Conscious Period Care That Works

Say goodbye to single-use disposable sanitary products. Our PFAS-free menstrual underwear is:

• Leak-resistant (each pair does the work of up to 4 regular tampons or pads!)

• Made from organic cotton + bamboo viscose

• Made without using forever chemicals like PFAS

• Suitable for all menstrual flows and both light to heavy flow days

Whether you’re new to sustainable period care or a pro with cloth pads and menstrual cups, our products help you ditch the plastic and upgrade your comfort.

Check out our values and full transparency about what goes into every product. Because comfort should never compromise your health.

Explore our full range here: All Period Underwear

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body

Your period shouldn’t ruin your week. If cramps are consistently severe, speak with a women's health nurse practitioner or another provider. It might be endometriosis, fibroids, or something else that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

In the meantime, small changes - like switching to (PFAS-free, to the largest extent possible) reusable period underwear and adding in a few of the natural tips above - can go a long way.

FAQs

1. What are PFAS and why should I avoid them?
PFAS are synthetic forever chemicals linked to serious health issues like hormone disruption. They’re found in some waterproof jackets, cookware, and even period panties and other popular period products. While PFAS are now everywhere (because they're now present in soil and water even!), avoiding them and minimising exposure reduces exposure to toxins.

2. Can period underwear help with cramps?
While they don’t directly ease cramps, wearing breathable, toxin-free period underwear reduces irritation and discomfort.

3. How do I know if my cramps are normal?
Mild to moderate cramps are normal, but pain that affects daily function or worsens over time isn’t. Talk to a healthcare provider.

4. How often should I replace period underwear?
With proper care instructions followed, high-quality menstrual underwear like ours can last up to 2 years (or more!).

5. Are all Fri Period products PFAS-free?
Yes. Every piece is made with Oeko-Tex Certified fabrics, and tested for harmful substances. We also adhere to the Global Organic Textile Standard for our materials.

Feel better in your body. Shop PFAS-free, leakproof technology period underwear now and give cramps the comfort treatment they deserve: Shop Period Underwear